The Purple Buzz – Sept. 2, 2011

Quick Quiz:

Which SEIU 521 chapters are eligible to have delegates represent them at our first Biennial Convention?

A. Only chapters with at least 1,000 members
B. Every chapter
C. Only one chapter per county
D. Only chapters with less than 500 members

Scroll down to see the answer.

521 members approve contracts in three chapters

SEIU 521 members have recently approved three agreements forged by their bargaining teams!

In Hanford, city workers approved a contract in which they receive a net 1 percent raise this year, another next year, and an increase in on-call pay and health insurance! Read more here: www.seiu521.org/hanford

At the Fresno Superior Court members voted to extend the last contract, with minor provisions, after they voted back in June to accept 96 hours of furloughs. Read more here: www.seiu521.org/fresnosuperiorcourt

And in Santa Cruz County workers at Salud Para La Gente voted to ratify their contract and beat back an attempt to institute an unfair salary system. Read more here: www.seiu521.org/splg

Across California, city councils are making decisions about privatizing our public libraries. Often this happens behind closed doors, with very little community input and without fully understanding how our libraries would be affected. At risk are these valuable community resources.

Call or email your Senator today to support AB 438 and preserve public libraries in your community!

Quick Quiz:

Which SEIU 521 chapters are eligible to have delegates represent them at our first Biennial Convention?

Answer B: Every chapter — even those with just a handful of members — is eligible to have a delegate or delegates represent them. At the convention, which takes place Oct. 7-9 in San Jose, delegates will develop our priorities and help steer our union in the Fight for a Fair Economy.